Event planners: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Event planners arrange the details of a variety of events. Wedding planners are the most well known, but event planners also coordinate celebrations such as anniversaries, reunions, and other large social events, as well as corporate events, including product launches, galas, and award ceremonies. Nonprofit event planners plan large events with the goal of raising donations for a charity or advocacy organization. Events may include banquets, charity races, and food drives.
- Education Required
- Most meeting, convention, and event planners need a bachelors degree. Although some colleges offer degree programs in meeting and event management, other common fields of study include communications, business, and business management.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 10% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- The Events Industry Council offers the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, a voluntary certification for meeting and convention planners. Although the CMP is not required, it is widely recognized in the industry and may help in career advancement. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of 36 months of meeting management experience, recent employment in a meeting management job, and proof of continuing education credits. Those who qualify must then pass an exam that covers topics such as strategic planning, financial and risk management, facility operations and services, and logistics.
- Median pay: How much do Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners make?
- $47,350 Annual Salary
- $22.76 per hour
Careers for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
- Association planners
- Certified meeting professionals
- Conference organizers
- Conference planners
- Conference planning managers
- Conference services coordinators
- Conference services directors
- Conference services managers
- Convention managers
- Convention planners
- Convention service managers
- Corporate meeting planners
- Corporate planners
- Events managers
- Government meeting planners
- Healthcare meeting planners
- Meeting and convention planners
- Meeting directors
- Meeting managers
- Meeting planners
- Promoters
- Promotions specialists
- Wedding planners